Kidnapper sends ransom notes claiming mother of TV host died

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona in the early hours of February 1. She is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, a well-known host on NBC's "Today" show.

After her disappearance, ransom notes were sent to media outlets in Tucson. The first note demanded cryptocurrency for her safe return. A second note, sent to a local television station shortly after, said she had died from a heart problem soon after being taken. It also said her death was not intentional and that she had been buried outdoors.

The FBI received the notes and tried to find where they came from. Investigators said at least two of the notes appeared credible. Savannah Guthrie posted a statement about her mother on Instagram on February 7.